Rams legend LeRoy Irvin’s cause of death revealed

Rams legend LeRoy Irvin’s  cause of death revealed

Former Los Angeles Rams cornerback LeRoy Irvin died earlier this month after a growth in his neck prevented him from breathing properly, according to a copy of his death certificate.

The document, obtained by The California Post this week, officially listed the immediate cause of Irvin’s passing as “acute hypoxic respiratory failure from neck mass obstruction.”

It also stated aspiration pneumonia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma — a type of cancer that affects the nose, throat and mouth — were contributing conditions.

Former NFL cornerback Leroy Irvin attends the 2nd annual Hall Of Fame Golf Invitational benefiting The Young Warriors Foundation at Angeles National Golf Club on July 24, 2015 in Sunland, California. WireImage

Irvin appeared to have been battling health issues for years, as according to the document, he had previously dealt with lymphoma, Pakinson’s disease, dementia, hypertension and prostate cancer.

The death certificate also noted that on June 14 — just a few weeks before he died — he underwent a tracheostomy in an apparent effort to help him breathe easier.

Rams DB LeRoy Irvin pre-game between Los Angeles Rams v. Minnesota Vikings, October 6, 1985 in Anaheim, California. Getty Images

Irvin was formally pronounced deceased at 4:28 a.m. on July 2 at a hospital in San Diego. His death certificate revealed he was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of Rosarito in Mexico.

He was 68 years old.

Former Los Angeles Rams cornerback LeRoy Irvin (47) at NFL All-Access at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Irvin was picked by the Rams in the third round of the 1980 NFL Draft, and he went on to have a storied career for the team.

In 10 seasons, he racked up 34 interceptions and returned five of them for touchdowns. He also worked as the team’s kick returner and punt returner, and was named to two Pro Bowl rosters.

He went on to finish his time in the NFL with the Detroit Lions in 1990.

Eric Dickerson, one of Irvin’s longtime teammates, described the ex-Rams defensive back on the day of his death as “a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor” who “was a true friend and a great man” off the field.

“Rest in peace, my brother,” Dickerson said.

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